2022 Chanukah Run-a-Latke 5K

The Chanukah Run-a-Latke 5K 12/18/22. Recap by Linda Desjardins.

On a sunny December day, the first day of Chanukah, many Striders made their way to the Run-
a-Latke 5K in Marblehead, organized by Allie Vered. The race has many unique aspects making
it a particularly endearing one to run. It starts off at a temple where live Klezmer music is being
played and a few invocation-type addresses are shared. The Rabbi reminded us that the season
is about love and that should be our predominant focus – love each other. Nice way to start.

The runners made their way outside where the Rabbi addressed us again, but those of us
toward the rear couldn’t hear. But we did hear the signal to start: he blew the Shofar. Off we
went down a hill and alongside the ocean. It’s a pleasant course, the wind was not
problematical, and we scooted along. There were dogs on leashes, some well-behaved, some
nipping at runners, and jog strollers and a couple skateboarders and bicycles, swift runners,
average runners, slow runners and walkers. People of all ages were participating, some in
typical running gear and many women wore menorah print tights. The race has a festive feel to
it, and there were more than enough smiles going around. The uphill finish? Not as friendly.
North Shore Striders made their presence known in quantity and quality. We had many age
group award winners and many outstanding running time.

Here are the NSS Runners:

• Aiden Kay 19:38 1st place (20-29)
• Christopher Kay-21:05
• Mariana Kay-24:21 1st place (under 15)
• Alexandra Campbell-24:31 1st place (20-29)
• Rebecca Imperiali-25:31
• Joy Erickson-26:32 1st place (40-49)
• Jennifer O’Neil-26:54 1st place (60 yr.)
• Dave Jefska-27:00
• Jill Page-27:03
• Rosie Kyes-27:10
• Paul Hennessey-27:15 1st place (70 yr.)
• Joseph Kay-28:03
• Siobhan Stoney-29:30
• Mariellen Hayward-30:53
• Tom McMahon-31:11
• Karen Batt-31:15
• Ron Imperiali-33:09
• Halyna Kay-33:12
• Linda Desjardins-33:52 1st place (75 yr.)
• Miriam Kay-36:39
• Mike Pelletier-37:41 1st place (80 yr.)
• Anne Pelletier-1:00:00

After crossing the finish line, we were welcomed back into the temple for refreshments,
especially fresh latkes and jelly doughnuts. We were informed those two treats are traditional
as they are cooked in oil – a link to the Chanukah story of there only being a single jar of oil
which could last only one day…but miraculously, it lasted 8 days.

We were also engaged by the Klezmer band again and an entertainer who jumped up and down
on a massive pogo stick, somersaulting off, and who also amazed us with his unicycle skillset.
Not your typical road race…and the change of pace was wonderful.

Jill update on 12/21:

I just wanted to give a special thank you to Allie Vered for race directing the Run-a-Latke 5k. She did all the work herself (with family). She truly appreciated the NSS Support @ the Race. It was a Great Race. We are all looking forward to the 2023 Race!

Just wanted to give a shout out to a few NSS Teammates that were missed in our NSS Results:

• Our new nss member, Kimberly Kivela ran a great race with a time of 30:21. We look forward to meeting her soon.
• Also, Cheryl Welsh competed virtually & ran a strong 32:43.

Thanks again for Running & supporting Allie’s Race.